Strong alcoholic drinks are a classic of their style. Without them, it is difficult to imagine an aristocratic image. This type of alcohol has a special aroma and a bouquet of taste. Therefore, it is necessary to drink it in your own way. Bourbon is a terrific drink with an entertaining history of origin. He has his own drinking culture. Bourbon is on the list of noble drinks. It is believed that it is consumed only by people with impeccable taste.
A bit of history
The very name of this strong drink is French. However, it was the Americans who invented bourbon. And this is an official historical fact. Today we can enjoy the rich taste of bourbon thanks to Irish as well as Scottish immigrants. They found refuge in Kentucky. And in this state was located the small town of Bourbon. It was called by locals who still yearned for their native France.
Neither the Scots nor the Irish could imagine their life without a classic whiskey. But for its preparation, rye and barley were required. And here, growing them in sufficient quantities was quite problematic. But with corn such problems were not observed. Not wanting to change their habitual foundations and abandon their favorite alcohol, the settlers decided to adapt to local conditions and initially unfamiliar raw materials. In fact, bourbon is the same whiskey made on the basis of corn. But it differs from its ancestor in both taste and appearance. It is believed that bourbon was born around the 18-19th centuries.
Cooking technique
Following established traditions, the raw materials for this drink are allowed to infuse for about 2-4 years. However, an exception can be made for certain varieties of bourbon. Alcohol is infused in special barrels, previously burnt from the inside. This affects the color of the drink. In addition, the taste of bourbon acquires an exclusive catchy zest.
Barrels must be stored throughout the entire period in a special storage. The room temperature practically does not differ from external weather conditions. This drink is most often added to cocktails. Such a bourbon at home can be cooked even by a beginner. The cost of such a drink is, on average, 800-1000 rubles per bottle.
Much more difficult with a drink that insist 6-20 years. On the label of the bottles with this elite alcohol, there will be an inscription reserved, as well as the age of the drink. The main distinguishing feature of this bourbon is its taste and aroma. Swallowing this drink in one gulp or diluting it with something is real sacrilege. The price of such a high-degree masterpiece starts from 2000-3000 rubles per 1 bottle.
Corn Whiskey Ingredients
As mentioned above, the main component from which the classic bourbon is made is corn. Her drink should be at least 51%. In addition to corn, barley and rye are also used. Do not confuse bourbon with corn whiskey. In fact, this is one and the same. However, the last alcoholic drink implies the presence of 80% of the main component. Consequently, his taste will be completely different.
The taste of the drink
The bouquet directly depends on the exposure time of alcohol. If we are talking about a more affordable option, which insist 2-4 years, in this case, you will not feel any special delights.
Such a drink can be drunk in one gulp or diluted with something for a more versatile and pleasant taste. In addition, the minimum exposure time bourbon is most often used in alcoholic cocktails. It gives a surprisingly piquant zest.
If you want to feel something special, then pay attention to the more expensive bourbon. Reviews of such a drink with an endurance of up to 20 years are extremely enthusiastic. Nobody will drink such alcoholic nectar like banal vodka. This bourbon should be enjoyed slowly, savoring every sip. The astringency of corn fades into the background. You can easily feel notes of chocolate, vanilla or even skin.
Compared to Scotch whiskey , the classic version of bourbon has a rather heavy taste. This is due to a large amount of corn. Many manufacturers resort to various kinds of additives to soften and enrich the bouquet of aftertaste. You will immediately recognize the sweet notes. The fact is that the burnt walls of the barrels contribute to the formation of a caramel flavor in bourbon.
Bouquet of fragrance
No less attractive is the smell exuded by this alcoholic beverage. Good bourbon, the price of which can reach tens of thousands of rubles per bottle, has a thick aroma with sugary notes. In this case, in general, the smell can be called quite tart and saturated. When heated, it intensifies, so lovers of this drink are strongly recommended to preheat the glass in their palms. Experts say that the bouquet of aroma contains notes of maple,
vanilla, flowers and cinnamon.
Varieties of bourbon
There are two main types of this alcohol: direct and blended. On the bottle must be affixed with a label informing the buyer about the type of drink. This refers to the inscriptions straight and blended. The first variety does not include the presence of any additives, nor neutral alcohol. The strength of the drink reaches 80 degrees.
Blended bourbon is also called diluted. Manufacturers often reduce the strength of the drink with distilled water. In this case, alcohol, as a rule, has a strength below 40 degrees.
Almost all varieties of bourbon have a beautiful dark golden hue. Connoisseurs call it amber or orange.
How to drink bourbon properly
Connoisseurs of this type of alcohol almost unanimously argue that it is necessary to use corn whiskey strictly from glasses with a thick bottom and thinner glass walls. In the United States, this capacity is called old glass. It is believed that only in such glasses is the stunning color fully revealed. In the languid depths of amber, rich sparks of a golden hue begin to flash.
Bourbon is a drink for a leisurely and peaceful pastime in complete solitude or in a narrow circle of loved ones. Also in America, such alcohol is considered an excellent option for long business meetings. Bourbon is considered a purely masculine drink. However, nothing prevents the lady from joining the conversation with a glass of corn whiskey in her hand. Such an act will not be regarded as a violation of tradition.
Before sipping a strong liquid, you need to hold the container with it in your palms for a bit and warm the contents, gently shake the glass. After that, you can breathe in an amazing fragrance and take a first sip. Drink bourbon slowly and decently. This should be done in small sips. After each, it is recommended to feel a rich finish. Bourbon gently envelops the throat and perfectly warms. It is not recommended to have a snack right away.
What can be combined with
You can add ice cubes to the drink. However, many experts argue that the best bourbon is pure and without any impurities of foreign ingredients. Despite this, a lot of delicious cocktails are created on the basis of corn whiskey. The most successful combination is recognized as a mixture of bourbon with rum, sweet liquor, a variety of fruit and berry juices without pulp, natural syrups.
It is believed that there is simply no need to eat good alcohol in order not to overshadow its true taste. However, bourbon is a very strong drink. Especially when it comes to the “direct” variety. You can drink it with non-acidic juices or soda. Snack corn whiskey sushi, Roquefort cheese, sometimes lemon, as well as fresh fruits and berries.
The following dishes are considered to be the most successful accompanying menu for bourbon: smoked salmon in sour cream, cream cheese soup with croutons and white onions, dark or white chocolate with a touch of almonds,
scallops with butter sauce and green pea puree, roast lamb , truffles, coffee, cranberry and apple sorbet.
Most popular variety
If you want to spend an evening in seclusion and tranquility, then traditional corn whiskey will be the best drink for this situation. Bourbon "Jim Beam" is a true legend in America. This trademark was officially registered in 1934. However, the history of this type of alcohol goes back to the 18th century. The most famous varieties are called Jim Beam Black and Jim Beam White. It is them that most of the true connoisseurs of bourbon recognize as standards for corn whiskey.